2017 Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gift Ideas

I remember years when I used to have my gift shopping completed before I took down my Halloween decorations. I’ve always considered myself a true planner at heart, but during the last few years, I’ve completed my holiday shopping later and later. Receiving the holiday gifts I ordered in mid-January? I’ve been there too…

If you have a tendency to leave your gift purchases to the last minute like I do, fear not. There are some great gift options out there for us late bloomers. For the cooking lovers, we’ve gathered some wonderful and easy recipes for face masks, scrubs and cocktail syrups that you can easily whip up at home. If you’ve already missed all the shipping deadlines for online orders, we have some ideas for beautiful art that you can download, print and frame yourself.

I also warmly recommend supporting your local businesses — anything from items made by local artisans to a museum pass, monthly cleaning service, or a set of prepaid yoga classes make truly thoughtful gifts. Did you know that you can for vendors in your own neighborhood, too? I hope you’ll find some inspiration from the last-minute gift ideas that I’ve shared below. I’d also love to hear your own suggestions in the comments! —

Some recipes for those who enjoy cooking up gifts for fancy cocktails and glowing skin!

You can support independent designers and businesses by popping into your local paper shop for a last-minute gift or two. I’m thinking about gifting some beautiful stationery sets this year — I’ve found them to be so practical for friendly notes throughout the year!

Have you been on a memorable road trip with a friend? Gifting a framed hand-stitched route map is the perfect way to commemorate a special trip. See the instructions to this quick Martha Stewart project .

If you end up leaving your shopping to the very last minute, big box stores like Target also have some options that feel unique and personal. Many items can be ordered online and picked up in store, too — something to remember when you’re short on time!

From top to bottom, left to right: $16.99, $28.49, $19.99, $7.99, $129.99, $29.99, $20.99, $29.99, $19.99.

If you’re still unsure about what to get, don’t forget about E-gift cards. Some of my favorite options this year are: for fair trade and ethically sourced items, for laid-back seaside style, for everything kitchen and home related, and for vacation or staycation adventures.Image source:

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